Why is our school district always at the mercy of the state government ("State") for funding? Why do we have to make budget cuts year after year to no end? Why isn't the State penalized when it short changes us on the Prop 98 guaranteed minimum funding? Why is it that we must come up with a budget by June every year, but the State does not? Why is the State allowed to defer payments and make mid-year cuts on us? Why do we have to pay interest if we take out a TRAN (loan) for borrowing money, but the State does not have to pay a penny for the money it owes us? Why is it that we are always on the receiving end and can only react to the jerking by the State? Why can't we do something to be proactive?

As I mentioned at our School Board meeting on March 28, I think we should consider self-help options, by generating some revenue for our school district. Let's say that we run an online store that markets and sells Young Artists' artworks, Young Author's books, and Young Composers' music. Maybe we can sell products such as backpacks, t-shirts, caps, mugs, stationery, binders, computer sleeves and covers... with the logos of our outstanding schools imprinted on them? And, maybe we can have our own calendars featuring our athletic teams, math and science teams, debate teams, school bands, performing groups, We the People teams, National Science Bowl teams, and more?

Why don't we also consider running events such as Food, Music and Art Fairs to raise funds? We can showcase wonderful artworks created by our talented students while enjoying beautiful musical performances by our gifted musicians, and tasting nutritious food prepared by our cooks and bakers! Maybe we can do auctions? Maybe, we can have art books, CDs, DVDs, or recipes for sale at the event?

We may not be able to bring in a lot of money for our school district right away, but it is a start. Will you be interested in supporting this effort? Will you be interested in participating in a meeting to brainstorm on ideas to generate revenue for our school district?